At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative structural designs for underground projects like tunnels and shafts.
- Company: Join WSP, a global leader in engineering with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on landmark projects while working with top professionals.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering and experience in underground structures.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Principal Structural Engineer – Underground Structures role at WSP in the UK & Ireland.
Overview
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life.
Responsibilities
- Lead structural design for underground structures such as tunnels, shafts, and related works from concept through detailed design and construction phases.
- Apply advanced structural engineering principles to develop safe, efficient, and innovative solutions for underground projects.
- Ensure compliance with relevant design standards and guidance (e.g., Eurocodes, BS codes, ITA guidelines, and applicable local regulations).
- Undertake and review structural analyses including load assessments, ground‑structure interaction modelling, and design of temporary and permanent support systems.
- Collaborate with geotechnical teams to integrate ground behaviour considerations into structural solutions.
- Manage technical delivery of multi‑disciplinary projects, coordinating inputs from civil, geotechnical, and environmental teams.
- Provide expert advice on construction methods, structural risk management, and material selection for underground works.
- Conduct site inspections, supervise construction activities, and provide technical input during tunnelling and shaft sinking operations.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to internal training programmes and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.
- Support business development through proposal preparation, client engagement, and participation in industry conferences.
- Promote health, safety, and equality in all aspects of work, adhering to company policies and values.
Qualifications
- Degree qualified in Civil or Structural Engineering (postgraduate qualification desirable).
- Extensive experience in structural design for underground shafts and tunnels, including temporary and permanent works.
- Strong understanding of structural behaviour under complex loading conditions and ground‑structure interaction.
- Familiarity with tunnelling methods (e.g., TBM, NATM, SCL) and shaft sinking techniques.
- Proficiency in structural analysis software (e.g., STAAD.Pro, MIDAS, Robot, or similar) and integration with geotechnical modelling tools.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and lead multi‑disciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication skills and willingness to travel within the UK and internationally.
Equality and Diversity
Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
Principal Structural Engineer – Underground Structures in Leeds employer: Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
WSP is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Principal Structural Engineer, you will have the opportunity to lead groundbreaking projects in underground structures while benefiting from a culture that prioritises professional development and mentorship. With access to global resources and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, WSP provides a rewarding career path for engineers looking to make a significant impact in their field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Structural Engineer – Underground Structures in Leeds
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with underground structures and any innovative solutions you've developed. We want to see how you can bring value to the team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Familiarise yourself with WSP’s projects and values, and think about how your skills align with their needs. We recommend practising common interview questions related to structural engineering and being ready to discuss your past projects in detail.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Structural Engineer – Underground Structures in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Structural Engineer role. Highlight your experience with underground structures, design standards, and any relevant software you’ve used. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about structural engineering and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects that relate to underground structures.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills:Since collaboration is key in this role, make sure to highlight your experience working with multi-disciplinary teams. Share examples of how you’ve successfully coordinated with geotechnical or environmental teams in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
✨Know Your Structures
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of underground structures, especially tunnels and shafts. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you applied advanced structural engineering principles to overcome them.
✨Familiarise with Standards
Get to grips with relevant design standards like Eurocodes and BS codes. During the interview, demonstrate your understanding of these guidelines and how they influence your design decisions. This shows that you’re not just technically skilled but also compliant with industry regulations.
✨Collaboration is Key
WSP values teamwork, so be prepared to talk about your experience working with geotechnical teams and other disciplines. Share examples of how you’ve integrated ground behaviour considerations into your designs and how you’ve managed multi-disciplinary projects effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Engineer, you'll be expected to mentor junior engineers and lead teams. Highlight your leadership experiences, whether it’s through training programmes or managing project teams. Discuss how you promote health, safety, and equality in your work environment.
